Bangladesh’s NCP Demands Recognition of July 2024 Uprising as ‘Second Independence’ in New Manifesto

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has unveiled a sweeping 24-point manifesto, demanding constitutional recognition of the July 2024 uprising—which toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government—as Bangladesh’s “Second Independence,” alongside political, social, and judicial reforms aimed at establishing what it calls the “Second Republic.”

At a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, NCP convener Nahid Islam read out the party’s “July Charter,” pledging to introduce a new constitution through a constituent assembly to abolish dictatorship, dynastic politics, and what it calls “fascist structures.”

The most contentious demands include granting the July movement the same historical and legal status as the 1971 Liberation War, declaring the main leaders of the uprising—the so-called “Seven Heroes of July Movement”—as national heroes, and awarding all coordinators the title of “Bir Bikram.” The NCP also seeks special government job benefits for families of those injured or killed during the movement, and a controversial reservation of 30 parliamentary seats for the party in the next national election.

“We believe that without full implementation of these reforms, the fascist structure cannot be abolished and our uprising will not become a democratic revolution,” Nahid declared.

The manifesto draws historical parallels between the struggles of 1947, 1971, and 2024—against colonial rule, Pakistani domination, and what it calls Awami League authoritarianism—arguing that the July uprising opened a new chapter in the country’s democratic struggle. It envisions a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual Bangladesh based on equality, dignity, and social justice.

Key pledges include:

Trials for crimes against humanity committed under the Awami League, including the July massacre, Shapla massacre, BDR massacre, and enforced disappearances.

Constitutional recognition of the July Proclamation and July Charter.

Reforms to create a justice-oriented judiciary, modernising colonial-era laws, and banning legislation that violates fundamental rights.

Zero tolerance for corruption, with merit-based recruitment in government service.

Decentralisation of power to strengthen local governments.

Protection of minority rights, women’s safety, and religious harmony.

Independent media, humane law enforcement, modern healthcare, and youth employment.

The NCP also pledges to ensure the rights of expatriate Bangladeshis, promote sustainable agriculture, develop an equality-based economy, and adopt a pro-Bangladeshi foreign policy.

Formed on February 28 by student and youth leaders of the 2024 uprising, the NCP warns it will launch fresh street protests if its demands are ignored—raising concerns about renewed instability in a nation still adjusting to life after Hasina’s fall.